Bat's wing fern facts for kids
Histiopteris incisa, often called the bat's wing fern, water fern, or fern mata, is a very common plant. You can find it in places like Australia, New Zealand, and other islands in the southern Pacific Ocean. This fern usually grows in wet areas, where it can spread out and form large groups. It gets its cool name because the lowest parts of its leaves look a bit like a bat's wing!
Quick facts for kids Bat's wing fern |
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| Scientific classification | |
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Histiopteris
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| Species: |
incisa
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What Does the Bat's Wing Fern Look Like?
The bat's wing fern is a medium-sized plant. Its leaves, called fronds, usually grow to be about 60 to 200 centimeters (2 to 6.5 feet) long. These fronds are spaced out and look a bit different depending on if they are fertile (can make spores) or infertile. The fertile parts are a little narrower.
Young fronds have thick, whitish-blue-green stems. As they get older, the fronds become thinner and longer with reddish-brown stems. The leaf sections, called pinnae, are a pale grayish-green color. They grow in pairs, opposite each other, and spread out wide.
The most interesting part is how deeply lobed the pinnae are. The two lowest lobes on each pinna look like a bat's wing. This is how the fern got its common name! This fern also has a strong, creeping rhizome (an underground stem) that is about 5-10 mm wide. It is covered in brown or reddish scales.
Where Does the Bat's Wing Fern Grow?
The bat's wing fern is found in many places across the southern half of the world. This includes Tasmania, Australia, and New Zealand. It is a very common plant in these regions.
This fern loves wet places. It often grows in forests where there is a lot of rain and the soil doesn't drain very well. It's often found on the edges of wet forests, along creeks, in gullies, and at the bottom of cliffs.
It's a plant that can easily grow in disturbed areas. This means it can quickly spread and form large groups in places where the land has been changed. While it prefers shady spots, it can also grow in less shaded areas if there is enough water. In perfect growing conditions, its fronds can even reach an amazing 7 meters (23 feet) long!
How People Use Bat's Wing Fern
The bat's wing fern is quite popular. You can find it in many plant nurseries, especially in Tasmania. People like to grow it both indoors and outdoors.
It's a great choice for a pot plant because it doesn't need a lot of sunlight. It also grows quickly in cool, moist places. Its beautiful appearance makes it a favorite for adding a touch of green to homes and gardens.
